Sociology: Religious and Philosophical Pluralisms

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Questions and Answers

According to Voltaire's perspective on religious pluralism, what is one of its key sources?

Individual relativistic convictions that vary from person to person.
Social constraints and historical diversity. (correct)
A universal agreement on specific religious doctrines.
The inherent superiority of one religion over all others.

How does Lessing's 'Parable of the Rings' contribute to the understanding of religious pluralism?

It illustrates religious relativism by implying that no single religion possesses absolute truth. (correct)
It suggests that interfaith dialogue is impossible due to fundamental differences.
It asserts the superiority of one religion as the 'original' ring.
It argues for a return to a singular, unified religious authority to end conflict.

What is a central argument made by relativists, as contrasted with absolutists, in Simon Blackburn's analysis?

Truth and morality are fixed by divine decree.
Truth and morality are determined by individual conscience alone.
Truth and morality evolve over time and differ across cultures. (correct)
Truth and morality are constant and universal.

What is the 'irony of relativism' according to the text?

Relativists promote tolerance as an absolute value while denying the existence of absolute truths. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the 'moral limits of pluralism'?

Some viewpoints (e.g., racism, sexism) cannot be tolerated in a liberal society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of religious pluralism, the work of Voltaire presents:

A promotion of religious harmony by emphasizing a shared theistic basis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How might relativism lead to moral ambiguity, as suggested in the final question?

By undermining the basis for judging certain beliefs as harmful or corrupt. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the anecdote cited concerning the religious pluralism debate?

It shows how different religious representatives express their beliefs, with only the Catholic priest insisting on universal truth. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What argument did Voltaire make from antiquity relating to Religious Pluralism?

The history of religions spans civilizations such as Egypt, India, Chaldea, and China. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a constantly changing world, why must society take a stand on fundamental moral truths?

Because some beliefs are corrupt, ignorant, or harmful. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Voltaire's Pluralism

Religious pluralism arising from social constraints & historical diversity.

Lessing's Pluralism

Religious pluralism is accepted because it is unavoidable.

Absolutists

Truth and morality are constant and universal.

Relativists

Truth and morality change over time according to cultures.

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Irony of Relativism

No absolute truth exists; yet they impose tolerance as an absolute value.

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Moral Limits of Pluralism

Some viewpoints (e.g., racism, sexism) cannot be tolerated in a liberal society.

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Relativism's Double Edge

Helps us appreciate diversity, but can also lead to moral ambiguity.

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Study Notes

Sociology of Religious and Philosophical Pluralisms examines three perspectives on religious pluralism, main ideas, and key arguments.

Three Perspectives on Religious Pluralism

Voltaire: Religious pluralism arises from social constraints and historical diversity, where there is an objective obligation source that appears in different social forms.
Lessing: Religious pluralism is unavoidable, based on relativistic private convictions.
Simon Blackburn: Pluralism cannot be resolved through individual fictionalism because we are social beings.

Main Ideas Explored

Voltaire and Religious Pluralism: Voltaire's work Zadig or The Book of Fate (1747) is a multi-religious encounter.
Argument from antiquity: The history of religions spans civilizations, including Egypt, India, Chaldea, and China.
Voltaire promotes religious harmony by emphasizing an implicit theism common to all beliefs.
Lessing and the Parable of the Rings: Inspired by Nathan the Wise, the parable of the rings illustrates religious relativism.
Multiple religions exist, and none can claim to hold absolute truth.
Simon Blackburn: Absolutism vs. Relativism: Absolutists believe that truth and morality are constant/universal.
Relativists: Argue that truth and morality change over time and across cultures.

Blackburn's Key Arguments

Religious pluralism debate: Religious representatives express their beliefs, but only the Catholic priest insists on universal truth.
The irony of relativism: Relativists argue that no absolute truth exists, yet they impose tolerance as an absolute value.
Moral limits of pluralism: Some differing viewpoints are acceptable, others (e.g., racism, sexism) are not tolerated in a liberal society.

Final Question: Is Relativism Dangerous?

Relativism helps us appreciate diversity, but it can also lead to moral ambiguity.
In a constantly changing world, some beliefs are corrupt, ignorant, or harmful, so society must take a stand on fundamental moral truths.